Roosters drop a game in New Zealand

Their form has been inconsistent at best this year, and that trend continue for the Sydney Roosters, as they went down to the New Zealand Warriors 24-12 at Mt Smart Stadium.

After last week’s solid outing against an injury ravaged Tigers side, the Roosters were looking to continue their winning streak, but it was not to be, as a spirited Warriors outfit just controlled the game.

The Warriors were forced to play with a man down for the last 46 minutes of the match, due to an injury sustained by gun fullback Glen Fisiiahi.

The Roosters were simply woeful with the ball in many areas – making 18 errors, and as a result, only completing 60% of their sets – a stat that coach Brian Smith lamented his side on.

“We didn’t deliver the money’s worth for the people here tonight or the people at home,” Smith lamented.

“It’s what I’d describe as a pretty loose performance.”

In what was perhaps his best Warriors performance to date, Warriors five-eighth Feleti Mateo was the provider with a deft kick for Inu to score.

Despite this however, Warriors coach Ivan Cleary still says that Mateo is a work in progress for the team, and needs more time to play consistently.

“He’s still finding his way in the team. He’s playing a new position but he certainly creates some things,” Cleary said.

“That’s why we got him here. I think it’s a bit of a time thing for him and the team.”

The game was brutal at times, with some earth-shattering hits – especially two from Roosters lock Nate Myles on Warriors forward Jacob Lillyman.

There was a sour note for the Warriors however despite their win, with fullback Glen Fisiiahi clearly wincing in pain after being tackled, thus being forced off in what looked like a serious injury.

With their poor performance on the day, Roosters captain Braith Anasta just could not describe why his side played so poorly in this game.

“I wish I knew the answer,” the skipper said. “We just couldn’t seem to get it right.